It's an interesting phenomenon- spouses of Kings/Queens who have to chart their own role for themselves. It seems like most of them give up their work when they marry, then have to fit into completely different roles.

I wonder if it's easier for princesses to fit into this role- there is all kind of charity work that seems to be readily availble to them. Are those same opportunities open to men? I seem to think not.

I would imagine that there is a certain assault on one's masculinity to be placed in a role as the "tag-along" spouse- there have been these rumblings also from Prince Philip. What about Claus? Bernhard?

I wonder if it's easier for princesses to fit into this role- there is all kind of charity work that seems to be readily availble to them. Are those same opportunities open to men? I seem to think not.

I would imagine that there is a certain assault on one's masculinity to be placed in a role as the "tag-along" spouse- there have been these rumblings also from Prince Philip. What about Claus? Bernhard?

Eliza

Maybe it's easier for princesses because so many of us females had stay-at-home-mothers and grandmothers who got an allowance from their husband's paychecks?

And married-into-royalty males might have the same preconceived idea, that the male should be the breadwinner.

(I'm not saying this is what I think, just a result of so many of us having grown up or observed those situations.)

I would imagine that there is a certain assault on one's masculinity to be placed in a role as the "tag-along" spouse- there have been these rumblings also from Prince Philip. What about Claus? Bernhard?

Very astute observation, azile, which makes the change in succession laws a bit puzzling. I think nowadays a crown princess will have a harder time finding a man who is willing to be her tag-along than a crown prince will have in finding his princess. But with more women as heir apparent, there will be more of them needing the tag-along spouse to at least further the line.

yes, a male marrying a royal female must be an attack on his masculinity. I know that (im male) if i was married to a felmale royal, i would be feeling like a failure or something, i dont know why, maybe because i want to be the provider. I know that these days both the husband and wife are providers but to be married to a reigning queen would be so difficult. I can totally understand Henrik's tantrum.

Wow, Australian. I would have never know from your avatar that you're a guy! :p

While I think that all the Queen Regnants in Europe (Elizabeth, Beatrix, Margrethe) have done a great job, I think having a Queen Regnant puts a lot more stress on herself, her husband and her family than the traditional King-Queen partnership.

Wow, Australian. I would have never know from your avatar that you're a guy! :p

While I think that all the Queen Regnants in Europe (Elizabeth, Beatrix, Margrethe) have done a great job, I think having a Queen Regnant puts a lot more stress on herself, her husband and her family than the traditional King-Queen partnership.

yes. Crown Princess Victoria has talked a couple times about how hard it is for her to have relationship. she said that she's "thankful" any man would want to date her.

I think it's easier for crown princesses by marriage to ease into their role than it is for crown princes by marriage. Mainly because throughout history and tradition it has been acceptable, if not encouraged, for women to play sort of a secondary role behind their husbands and defer to him for things. Like Iowabelle said a lot of us have seen this kind of situation growing up, so it doesn't feel unusual, even though by now it is acceptable for women to go into fields once occupied by men.

Also, since crown prince consorts are less common (for the time being, at least) than crown princess consorts, there may be a sense of not really knowing what to do with the role, since there isn't really a precedent to look to. With women, we know that they'll do-attend events, act as a representative, and raise heirs. Not that men can't help out with those things, but it's less common for them to do so, since many of them are brought up with the idea of being the main provider and whatnot.

Also, since crown prince consorts are less common (for the time being, at least) than crown princess consorts, there may be a sense of not really knowing what to do with the role, since there isn't really a precedent to look to.

It's so interesting that their are so many female heirs being born now. We'll see what Amalia and Ingrid's husbands do with role. As the princesses begin to get married in the future to come that role of prince consort will become beter defined and fleshed out.

there are already a few good models. like Prins Claus.

hopefully we won't have to wait too much longer for Victoria to find someone wonderful.

This thread have been split from the thread: Prince Henrik's Tantrum in the Danish forum, and moved to the Chit Chat forum, as the latter part of the thread was more a general discussion of male consorts vs. female consorts in the royal circle.

I'm looking forward to watching how the life paths of the future Queens of each country will turn out. What thier causes will be, who they will marry, or even if a woman reigning will somehow bring more peace? Will thier marraiges work out? Will they be able to find the strong men they need to stand by thier sides? I think CP Victoria of Sweden is facing this right now. I'm talking about Princess Elisabeth, Princess Ingrid lexandra, Princess Catherina-Amolia, Princess Aiko (if her bill is passed). How will Denmark's little future King stand up to all of these women?? Please post your thoughts.... I'm looking forward to hearing from you!

Will they be able to find the strong men they need to stand by thier sides? I think CP Victoria of Sweden is facing this right now.

That is something I'll keep asking myself all the time on this subject. I think it's hard to find a good prince consort these days. I think that all of the present Crown Princesses (like Mary, Maxima etc.) will be Queen one day, so that's a title which equals their husband's title. I always get the feeling that being Prince Consort is just being one step behind your wife the Queen. PC's like Claus and Henrik suffered a great deal under this. So it'll be hard. But what will be the outcome of all those Queens? We'll never know, only future can tell... :)

I read, in some European monarchy the dynastic legislation has been changed in favour of the first-born child irrespective of its sexual accessory. In Swedish royal family Victoria is the most senior child, therefore this girl will be queen. Victoria has the younger brother who will not be the Swedish king. In Belgium the girl is declared by the successor of the Belgian throne after the father. What irony, but this girl has two younger brothers!!! The same picture is observed in family of the Dutch prince where girls have advantage before the brothers. The Spanish prime minister has suggested to transfer the rights to the Spanish throne of the daughter of Spanish infant and its television beauty. I heard, as if prince Phillip has agreed with the minister. Why so occurs? What is such? Princes have decided to destroy their own monarchy? Because the name and a title pass on a man's line?

Fortunately, most people now days believe that a female holds just as much importance as a male. If you are questioning the abilities of women to reign as monarch, I suggest you have a look at Catherine the Great, Elizabeth I, Isabelle of Spain (Castille), Victoria, Beatrix and Elizabeth II for starters.

In most countries by constitution there are equal rights for men and women. This also covers the position of the head of state. In countries where the head of state is 'delivered' by hereditary succession, also this principle of equal treatment is in force.

The royals involved can refuse to go along with this 'modernism'. No problem. They can leave their position and then their country will transform into a republic with an elected head of state. It is as simple as that. Then they can act 'pure' with male-preferred succession and equal marriages as a non-reigning family....

No need to say that all monarchs involved simply accept the given changed situation and adepted the monarchy and the titulature to the new situation.

For an example in the Netherlands, where the intention is that only the Sovereign is exclusively titled The King (Queen) and that only the Heir-Apparent is exclusively titled ThePrince (Princess) of Orange and that their spouses, male or female, do not share these titles.

I like that many monarchies are changing the laws to allow a female to be the heir to the throne if she is the oldest and not put her in second or not in the line at all because because she is female. I am also happy to see in the future will have four queens reigning I can't wait I know they will try to be good queens to their countries.